Saudi Arabia celebrate Gulf 27 title as late clashes lead to red card

Saudi Arabia’s players became involved in several late confrontations with United Arab Emirates during a 2-0 victory in the Gulf 27 final at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah on Tuesday.

The result secured Saudi Arabia’s first Arabian Gulf Cup title in 23 years, since their success in 2003. United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, were unable to regain the trophy they last won in 2013.

Tensions rose during the closing stages as Saudi Arabia held a two-goal lead and moved closer to lifting the trophy. The most serious incident came shortly before the final whistle, when Saudi Arabia players Mutaib Al-Harbi and Hammam Al-Hammami went towards the United Arab Emirates supporters to celebrate in front of them.

Several United Arab Emirates players intervened and confronted the Saudi pair in an attempt to stop the celebration in front of their fans. Members of the United Arab Emirates coaching staff also became involved in the dispute.

Moroccan referee Jalal Jaid subsequently sent off one member of the United Arab Emirates technical staff as the incidents continued before the match ended.